Black and white tales of Sydney’s greengrocers

In the Australian lexicon, the word ‘fruiterer’ is much more likely to be associated with ‘Con the’, than any mention of a social history of Sydney. But an exhibition at Leichhardt Library aims to celebrate the way the city’s Italian fruiterers have changed the way we live, eat and think about food.

“I don’t think these early fruiterers really realised at the time how their small businesses – their ‘shop full of dreams’ – impacted on our lives,” said the exhibition’s curator, Linda Nellor. “With many of those early pioneers no longer with us, it’s important to celebrate their contributions to the industry in particular, for setting those high standards for today’s modern greengrocer.”

There are 15 photographic panels on display at the exhibition, focusing on themes from ‘Chain Migration’ to ‘Never Too Young’, the latter dedicated to the Italian children who worked in the shops. Also included in the display is memorabilia including antique cash registers, shop counter, scales, leather aprons and ledgers from the period.

The exhibition and website are the work of the Italian Association of Assistance, Co.As.It., in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Public History at UTS. But although the exhibition only runs until November 29, the project is an ongoing one. Co.As.It. is putting the call out for people to contribute their photos and memories of Sydney’s Italian fruit shops – to participate, visit www.sydneysitalianfruitshops.com